Problem Solving- Innate or Acquired?

[WhtsThFrequency]

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So, the "visual memory" thread got me thinking.

Do you think the ability to efficiently problem-solve is an innate or at least semi-innate ability? Or can it be learned? Certainly facts can be learned and remembered, but can you really *learn* how to assimilate/organize/prioritize facts and diagnose or problem-solve?

 

[pressmom]

Interesting question. I've always had the ability to problem-solve under pressure. But I don't know if it was learned from my parents at an early age (because they're both really good at it too) or I was born with the ability. I can tell you that I do much better on problem-solving tests than I do on straight memorization tests. (Boo gross anatomy!)

 

[rustysmom]

Very interesting question!!!!!

I believe that problem-solving is a semi-innate ability. The problem-solving skills can be learned but some people just have an easier time solving problems than others.

I've always had an easier time with solving problems than my classmates. It wasn't until I got involved in info tech that I really learned how to assimilate/organize/prioritize facts in order to solve client problems.

I also have a much easier time with problem-solving tests than straight memorization (which does not bode well for me in Gross Anatomy 😛). Give me a test with a bunch of case studies on it any day! 😀

 

[PAThbrd]

I would say innate, with the ability to hone it with acquired usage 🙂

 

[HeartSong]

I agree with Rustysmom that it is semi-innate. Some people are born better able to problem solve just as some people are born better able to memorize, but that doesn't mean those skills are exclusive to those who naturally are more skilled at it. And the more practice one does, the better they get at it. I think a person with a lower inborn ability can surpass the one with natural abilities if they practice the skill and the other doesn't.

We all problem solve everyday and don't even know it most of them time. Hmm, even putting together a sentence is a problem solving task. We have to take individual words that we know the meaning of and put them together in a novel sequence in order to symbolize our thoughts in such a way that someone else will understand what we are thinking. So it's not that we learn how to problem solve as much as it is we get better at problem solving through practice.